US Bridges

Caverns RD over I-81

Fair

Shenandoah County, Virginia · 0.25 to 833 - 0.45 to 11 · Structure no. 000000000017303

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
329 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,758
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Caverns RD over I-81 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Caverns RD over I-81 in Shenandoah County, Virginia. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Virginia average of 50.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 2,758 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,928 by 2042. The structure is 329 ft (100.3 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCaverns RD
CrossesI-81
Location0.25 to 833 - 0.45 to 11
RouteCounty Highway 730
CountyShenandoah County
StateVirginia
Coordinates38.70449, -78.65714
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 23 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.2 US tons
Inventory rating60.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length329 ft (100.3 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,758 (2022)
Projected traffic2,928 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$351 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Caverns RD over I-81 built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Caverns RD over I-81 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Caverns RD over I-81 carry?

About 2,758 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Caverns RD over I-81?

The structure is 329 ft (100.3 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Caverns RD over I-81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.